Episode 27

The morning light, filtered through the thick hotel curtains, did little to rouse Luna. She stirred, a groan escaping her lips as she stretched, every muscle protesting the cramped sleep. A quick glance around revealed the boys still asleep in their separate beds, Moana nestled peacefully beside Max. Luna slipped out of the room, careful not to disturb them, and headed for the hotel’s complimentary breakfast. The aroma of stale coffee and lukewarm scrambled eggs did nothing for her appetite, but she knew she needed to eat.

She grabbed a plate, piled it high with rubbery eggs and some slightly burnt bacon, and found a quiet corner table. The hum of hushed conversations and the clinking of cutlery filled the air. As she ate, she scrolled through her phone, checking for any missed messages or news updates. Nothing significant, just the usual stream of social media chatter. She sighed, her mind still replaying the events of the previous day. The fear in Moana’s eyes, the frantic search, the gnawing uncertainty. It was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of their lives, always one step away from disaster.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Mr. Lee. "Meet me in my room. Urgent." Luna’s stomach tightened. Urgent usually meant bad news. She finished her meager breakfast quickly, her mind racing. Was it about Malik? About her grandfather? She couldn't shake the chilling implication of Mark's words. She excused herself from the dining area, her steps quickening as she made her way to Mr. Lee's room. The hallway seemed longer than usual, each step echoing the growing unease within her. She reached his door, took a deep breath, and knocked